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The 1.5 - 2.0 WAR for peanuts is a pertinent observation.
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As we all know, one of SSI's pet peeves is the attachment of WAR to targeted-role players.
If Eric Byrnes and Ryan Garko hit 200 times each, and mash LHP's, they won't even show up on WAR.  But they will save the M's season in terms of contending.  Let the M's bring ZERO righty hitters to the table and the critical-mass principle will come into play.
Same with a bullpen stud in the 8th inning.  What were the WAR's of Nelson and Rhodes in 2001?  They keyed the 116 wins.  They affected the entire game from the 4th-5th inning on.
WAR is a real good stat, as is its relative, RC/27, but I hate to see them overemphasized.  Not that you did here Jonezie.
If Garko gives the M's 250 AB's of 300/400/500 offense and keeps LHP pass-rushers off the Wakamatsu QB, he's going to hit this pennant race a lot harder than his WAR would indicate.